A I have found great satisfaction in serving the community of Clayton through the fire company. I would like to continue that through a different avenue and the town council made a lot of sense. I had been approached by several people before about running for council and always said if I didn't have time to give it 100 percent, I wouldn't run. I am at a point in my life where I have time to give. My father served on the council for many years in the 80s and got a lot of enjoyment out of it. I would like to follow in his footsteps.

Q WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING CLAYTON AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THEM?

A The two most important issues facing the Town of Clayton is continuing the same level of services that the residents have come to expect without raising taxes or fees. In today's economy it is imperative that we do not put undue burden on our residents. I also think the council needs to take an active role in attracting potential businesses into the Main Street area. Several businesses have closed down or moved in recent years and left buildings vacant. The council should do what is in its means to attract new businesses into those sites.

Q WHY SHOULD RESIDENTS VOTE FOR YOU?

A I will promise the people I will work as hard as anyone for them and for the Town of Clayton. I will give the office my 100 percent as I have done in every undertaking I have done. I will promise to be accessible as possible to them and if contacted by a resident with an issue, I will get back to them as soon as possible with an answer good or bad.

Alexander Dias

AGE 66

YEARS LIVED IN CLAYTON 6

EDUCATION High School education

OCCUPATION Retired after 42 years with the DuPont Company; Vietnam Veteran

YEARS SERVED ON COUNCIL 3, 1 year by appointment and 2 years elected

Q WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION?

A There's nothing I would like better than to meet the challenges that lie ahead for the Town of Clayton in the future, and to make this town one of the best in Kent County.

Q WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING CLAYTON AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THEM?

A I feel the two main issues facing the town are the rising crime rate and a balanced budget. I would address the crime with having a pro-active police force, which the council and police have been striving to do for the past three years this council has been in office. We have added two new officers, and have also added a school resource officer and a clerical person all without raising any taxes, and giving a reduction in electric rates last year. Over the last three years this council has still kept a balanced budget.

Q WHY SHOULD RESIDENTS VOTE FOR YOU?

A For the reasons listed above, I feel confident that I could do the best for this town as I have the past three years.

A I have enjoyed being your "Mayor"/"President" of council and hope you find I have represented the town with dignity, experience and pride at the various functions and appearances required of me. There has been a lot accomplished that has been fruitful for Clayton under my tenure. I also hope that I show my gratitude for the confidence the people of the town have shown to me.

Q WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE TWO MOST IMPROTANT ISSUES FACING CLAYTON AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THEM?

A The first issue is trying to secure funding to help topcoat streets in subdivisions that have been abandoned by bankrupt developers. The Town of Clayton has been very proactive in maintaining their properties to help keep our new residents as happy as we can. Our local councilmen have contributed their time for cleanups and grass-cutting as we have had the time to squeeze it into the Public Works schedule. Public Works has been taking on more water and sewer repairs themselves to keep from bringing in outside contractors. Since I am talking about employees – the Police Department has also gotten busier with the town's growth, with an increase of about 32 percent more calls for service alone. Administration keeps up with all your questions as well as the day-to-day operation. Secondly, and most importantly, is the budget. Our Town Council and department head see that all money is spent wisely with our expenses falling under budget set by our Budget Committee. Great job folks!

Q WHY SHOULD RESIDENTS VOTE FOR YOU?

A I have lived in Clayton the majority of my life. I am proud to represent the constituents of the town and appreciate their trust in me in the decision-making process for the town. I would also like to continue working on the possibility of securing another education facility in the Old St. Joseph property. There have been several inquiries of groups interested in purchasing that property. I take no payment for meetings. I only take enumerations for local functions that I attend when I represent the town. I work in town every day. I am proud to call Clayton my home. Thanking you in advance, please get out and vote.

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